Why renovate?
By Jacklyn John, Memorial Union project coordinator
Memorial Union is without a doubt one of the most treasured spaces on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Indeed, very few images of campus can pull at my heartstrings as an alumnus quite like an image of a Terrace chair. This deep connection to Memorial Union among alumni could potentially cause concern over any proposed plan to renovate or change Memorial Union. However, there are a number of reasons why the Memorial Union Reinvestment Project is critical to the future of a campus destination that we as alumni cherish so much:
1. Preserve & honor an iconic campus destination
The Memorial Union Reinvestment will preserve and honor the historic building, as the Memorial Union has not seen a comprehensive restoration since its construction in 1928. The project will maintain the historic integrity of Memorial Union valued by so many by preserving iconic spaces like the Terrace, Der Rathskeller and Stiftskeller, Union Theater, and Great Hall, among other spaces.
2. Enhance the Wisconsin Union experience
The project will also enhance the Wisconsin Union experience for future generations of students by providing up-to-date, dynamic spaces for events and services on campus. An improved physical home will greatly enhance Memorial Union’s ability to provide experiential learning opportunities for the 21st century student.
3. Improve accessibility
A major focus of the Memorial Union Reinvestment will be improved accessibility and simplified navigation throughout the building. Memorial Union currently has 27 different floor levels, some of which can only be reached by stairs and are completely inaccessible to guests in wheelchairs. The renovation project will improve accessibility according to ADA standards, improve wayfinding, and alleviate numerous level changes in the building.
4. Upgrade infrastructure
The Memorial Union Reinvestment will make much needed improvements to the building’s infrastructure. Renovations will bring the 83-year-old building up to code concerning fire safety, sprinklers, asbestos abatement and other upgrades. Meanwhile, renovations will also update building systems such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems that currently date back many decades.
The much needed renovations and upgrades will ensure future students and alumni cherish the iconic building as much as we do today.
